Zelda: A Link Between Worlds dungeons can be played in any order [update]

Update: The Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation revealed a December 26 release date for A Link Between Worlds in Japan.

During the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds will arrive on 3DS on November 22 in Europe (also the release date for North America). He also revealed that the game will dramatically alter the traditional Zelda formula, allowing players to tackle dungeons in whatever order they choose. This will be possible thanks to a special shop where Link can rent and purchase items that would normally only be found in dungeons, including series staples like the hookshot, boomerang and hammer.

Zelda is one of Nintendo's most entrenched series, so seeing the company make such a large departure is pretty surprising. We'll see if it pays off come November.